News / Bristol Pride
Drag Race star announced as Pride headliner
Pride‘s Cabaret Stage has announced its lineup for 2025.
Star of RuPaul’s Drag Race and head judge on Canada’s Drag Race Brooke Lynn Hytes will headline the stage, with over 30 acts, including local and national drag talent, making up the rest of the bill.
The performer is known for her signature blend of ballet moves, show-stopping looks, and flawless lip syncs.
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She previously danced with Cape Town City Ballet and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo before competing on Drag Race USA season 11, coming second. She was the first Canadian to compete in the series and the first contestant to become a full time Drag Race judge.
Pride takes place in the fortnight from June 28 and culminates in the annual parade and day of celebrations on the Downs, which usually attracts a 40,000-strong crowd, on July 12.
Other drag acts announced for the Cabaret stage include an opera singer, a sax player and a ballroom sensation.
Performers include representatives from Drag houses Slaughterhaus and House of Fleek and Britain’s Got Talent contestant Miss Courtney. Local performers include Asian Ballroom sensation Miss Dynasty and Bristol Drag Theatre Company founding members Cynthia Road, Spank, Quiches Lorraine, and Tess Drive.
They’ll be joined by Drag Dungeoneer members Pom Pom, YuGiHoe, Jersey the Devil, and BooHoo Mann, cabaret icon Miss Jam Tart and drag power couple Michael Romance and Killya Darling.
Cynthia Road and Spank will be representing the Bristol drag community, along with a host of other local performers as well as big names from further afield – photo: Bristol Drag Theatre Company
One of the country’s most prolific south Asian drag artists, Val the Brown Queen will bring her culture, trans identity and political commentary along with comic lip syncing.
Mr Wesley Dykes, a Drag King member of the Cocoa Butter Club which celebrates drag performers of colour will blend storytelling with rap.
“Our Cabaret Stage is a fantastic way to showcase the incredible drag acts we have from Bristol, the wider UK and even internationally,” said Pride director Daryn Carter. “This year’s line up is a diverse array of Drag Kings and Queens, with entertainment ranging from musicians and dancers to comedy and even opera!”
Main Stage announcements have so far included dance legend Cascada, iconic singer/songwriter, DJ Ultra Naté and Sex Education’s Anthony Lexa.
Wristbands for Bristol Pride 2025 are available now. They offer quicker entry, bar discounts and free bus travel on Pride Day. Day+Night and Supporter Wristbands provide access to exclusive areas and afterparties and contribute to the Pride Community Fund which supports vital LGBT+ initiatives. Find more information and buy wristbands at bristolpride.co.uk
Main image: Brooke Lynn Hytes
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